The Five Laws of Bloodborne

Having recently finished beating Bloodborne, I have been reflecting the trials and tribulations of playing through another Mizayaki masterpiece. Since Demon Souls I have been hooked on From Software’s games. Following the tradition guidelines of what makes a good game, they are challenging and rewarding thus making them very addictive. That feeling of victory, accomplishment and self believe even on the brink of giving up is similar to when I leave the gym after a great session. I feel powerful and I want to feel this throughout my every day life. Is this possible? Not sure but as a tribute to Bloodborne I have compiled a list of laws to follow to live the way of a hunter, in a world filled with obstacles, enemies and levels to overcome.

There’s the Art of War. There’s the 48 Laws of Power. Let’s give Bloodborne its own philosophy to live by. The Laws of Bloodborne. Like Sun Tzu’s classic, these games provide lessons so you can learn how to live, strategize against and overcome life itself. The latest instalment isn’t just about killing beasts and dying over and over again. It is about improvement and progress, while on the hunt. Thus we can acknowledge what we can learn from this gaming experience.

Law 1: Never be idle

Without a pause button you are always in constant danger in an environment that is very unforgiving. Once you leave the Hunter’s Dream you are never safe. In the real world, we are victims of external factors outside our control. In order take on the unexpected, we must always be ready with our weapon drawn to strike. To be idle is to be vulnerable, there is only one way out, and that’s through moving forwards.

Law 2: Don’t get complacent

When you first encounter new enemies they always seem so difficult at first. That is until you work out their moves and develop a strategy to beat them. Then every time you face them again, you are left wondering why you ever struggled in the first place. But the challenge doesn’t end there, because that’s when you let your guard down and your seemingly easy opponent unleashes a combo that that you hadn’t anticipated. A lot of my deaths came from silly mistakes when I got cocky. Even the most unlikely person can do the most damage. Stay vigilant, young hunter.

Law 3: Know when to fight back

The main difference between Bloodborne and the rest of the Souls series is the new game mechanics that encourage aggressiveness. You can’t block and there’s no shield. This changes everything, as instead of blocking cautiously whilst trying to work out your enemy’s moves you are forced to dodge and anticipate from the start of the encounter. With this new complication you are also given the ability to regain your health, only if you strike back instantly. This presents you with a choice, you can absorb the damage or you can fight back. Fight or Flight? As you make your way in this world you will encounter the fight or flight scenario over and over again. Sometimes you have to dish back what you have been served. Do you have what it takes or will you run with your tail in between your legs?

Law 4: Make every hit count

So many times I have reached the end of a boss battle only to be caught unawares by a desperate move that snatches victory from my grip. Bloodborne boss fights make you regret the hits you didn’t take. Your moment of hesitation allows the beast the opportunity to counter, so suddenly you regret not risking that extra hit. Our vulnerable existence itself is harsh, giving us more the reason to not be tentative and to make every hit count. I have learnt through these From Software games that being half-hearted will only give you half the results. Commit wholehearted to everything you do, or just not bother at all.

Law 5: One at a time

The hardest battles you will face are the ones where you are defending on multiple fronts. A well-known tactic in the Souls series is to always lure one enemy away at a time. It’s the same with setting multiple goals to achieve. Instead of giving yourself 10 new years’ resolutions, give yourself one to complete before you start the next. You are more likely to accomplish things when you take them down one by one. It’s called focus. Don’t juggle too many things in one go, especially under pressure. You’re better off knocking them down one by one.

These are the lessons I have learnt from playing Bloodborne that can be applied to everyday life. So what about you? Have you learnt anything? If so, please share.